JP7206817B2 - picking station - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to picking stations.

There is a picking station where sorting of items from a first bin to a second bin takes place. Such a picking station is described, for example, in US Pat. The picking station includes a conveyor for carrying the first container and a conveyor for carrying the second container provided below the conveyor for carrying the first container. The worker takes out the articles from the upper first container and puts the articles into the lower second container for sorting.

JP 2007-153490 A

As in the picking station described in Patent Document 1, when the conveyor for conveying the first container is provided above the conveyor for conveying the second container, the upper conveyor becomes an obstacle during the sorting operation. , the workability of sorting may decrease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a picking station capable of improving the workability of sorting.

A picking station according to the present invention includes a first container supply conveyor for conveying a first container, and a picking station connected to the first container supply conveyor for conveying the first container and for conveying the first container within the first container work area. A stopable first container work conveyor, a first container output conveyor connected to the first container work conveyor for transporting the first container, a second container supply conveyor for transporting the second container, and a first container work conveyor. a second container connecting conveyor arranged at a position at least partially overlapping with the first container working conveyor in a plan view below the second container working conveyor, connected to the second container supplying conveyor and conveying the second containers; a second container unloading conveyor for conveying the second containers; and a plurality of in-and-out devices for respectively entering and exiting the area.

In this picking station, the loading/unloading device loads/unloads the second container from the second container connecting conveyor arranged in the lower stage to/from the second container working area. Thereby, the worker can sort the articles between the first container located on the upper stage and the second container installed in the second container work area on the lower stage. That is, since the second container has been delivered to the second container work area, the sorting operation between the first container and the second container may not be disturbed by the first container work conveyor arranged in the upper stage. Suppressed. In addition, since the picking station can move the second containers on the second container connecting conveyor to the second work area, the order of conveying the second containers conveyed by the second container connecting conveyor can be changed. In this way, the picking station can improve the workability of sorting.

In the picking station, the second container connecting conveyor is provided with a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the second containers. a first in-and-out conveyor having a conveyor section that can be drawn into the second container connecting conveyor and an elevating section that moves the conveyor section between the conveying rollers; A second in-and-out conveyor capable of conveying the delivered second container to the second container work area and transferring the second container in the second container work area to the first in-and-out conveyor. In this case, the loading/unloading device can load/unload the second container to/from the second container work area by the first loading/unloading conveyor and the second loading/unloading conveyor even when the second container connecting conveyor has a plurality of transport rollers. .

In the picking station, the first container working area is the middle of the plurality of second containers arranged in the second container working area in the row direction among the positions along the conveying direction of the first containers on the first container working conveyor. position. In this case, in the picking station, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement of the second containers in the row direction when the worker performs the sorting work, and the workability of the sorting can be improved.

In the picking station, the first container working conveyor has an upstream buffer area in which the first container can stand by at a position upstream of the first container working area in the conveying direction of the first container and adjacent to the first container working area. may be provided. In this case, the picking station can keep the first container waiting in the upstream buffer area. As a result, after the sorting operation using the first containers in the first container work area is completed, the picking station immediately transports the first containers waiting in the upstream buffer area to the first container work area. can. This allows the picking station to reduce the time during which the sorting operation is interrupted.

In the picking station, the first container working conveyor has a downstream buffer area in which the first container can be retracted at a position adjacent to the first container working area and downstream of the first container working area in the conveying direction of the first container. may be provided. In this case, the picking station can immediately transport the sorted first container from the first container work area to the downstream buffer area. This allows the picking station to be immediately ready to receive the next first container in the first container work area.

The picking station further includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the loading/unloading device, and the control unit moves the second container into the second container by the loading/unloading device when the article is placed in the second container within the second container work area. It is possible to switch between the control of returning to the container connecting conveyor and the control of returning the second container to the second container connecting conveyor by the loading/unloading device when the article is taken out from the second container in the second container working area. may In this case, the picking station can switch between sorting items from the first container to the second container and sorting items from the second container to the first container.

According to the present invention, workability of sorting can be improved.

1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a picking system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the surroundings of an upper work area of the picking station of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the surroundings of an upper work conveyor in FIG. 1; 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3; FIG. 5(a) and 5(b) are side views of the first tilt mechanism of FIG. 3. FIG. It is a top view which shows the circumference|surroundings of the lower stage connection conveyor of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 6; FIG. 10 is a top view showing the surroundings of a lower-stage connecting conveyor for explaining how order containers are taken in and out; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 6; 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the picking station; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

A picking system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed, for example, in a warehouse where sorting of products (goods) is performed. A picking system 1 includes a plurality of picking stations 10 . At the picking station 10, a worker P sorts products from product containers (first containers) A into order containers (second containers) B. As shown in FIG. Note that the product container A and the order container B are containers with an open top. The product container A is a container containing products, and is used when transporting products to the picking station 10 for sorting. The order container B is a container into which the sorted products are put. A work space R is defined as a space where the worker P performs the sorting work.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the picking system 1 further includes a product container transfer conveyor 20 and an order container transfer conveyor 30 . The product container transport conveyor 20 transports product containers A within the warehouse. The product container transport conveyor 20 can supply product containers A to each picking station 10 and receive product containers A carried out from each picking station 10 . The order container transport conveyor 30 transports the order container B within the warehouse. The order container transport conveyor 30 supplies empty order containers B to each picking station 10 and receives order containers B carried out from each picking station 10 (order containers B after sorting work is completed).

The picking station 10 includes an upper transport unit 100, a lower transport unit 200, a control unit (control section) 300 (see FIG. 10), a monitor M, and a switch S.

First, the upper transport unit 100 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the upper transport unit 100 receives the product container A from the product container transport conveyor 20, transports it toward the work space R, and transfers the product container A to the product container transport conveyor 20 after sorting. back to The upper transport unit 100 includes an upper supply conveyor (first container supply conveyor) 110, an upper work conveyor (first container work conveyor) 120, an upper unloading conveyor (first container unloading conveyor) 130, a first tilt mechanism 140, and a 2 tilt mechanism 150 is provided.

One end of the upper supply conveyor 110 is connected to the product container transport conveyor 20 . The upper supply conveyor 110 receives the product container A from the product container conveying conveyor 20 and conveys the received product container A from the product container conveying conveyor 20 toward the work space R. The upper supply conveyor 110 has a plurality of transport rollers. The upper supply conveyor 110 conveys the product container A by rotating the conveying roller.

The upper work conveyor 120 is provided near the work space R and faces the work space R. As shown in FIG. One end of the upper work conveyor 120 is connected to the other end of the upper supply conveyor 110 . Product containers A are carried from the upper supply conveyor 110 to the upper work conveyor 120 . The upper work conveyor 120 conveys the product container A that has been carried in. The upper work conveyor 120 includes a plurality of transport rollers 121 (see FIG. 2). The upper working conveyor 120 conveys the product container A by rotating the conveying roller 121 .

The upper work conveyor 120 conveys the product container A across the front of the worker P in the work space R. The upper work conveyor 120 is inclined downward toward the work space R side. As a result, the product container A is conveyed by the upper work conveyor 120 in a state in which the opening is inclined to face the work space R side.

Further, the upper work conveyor 120 may be provided with an auxiliary conveyor 125 . The auxiliary conveyor 125 is provided along the side of the upper work conveyor 120 on the work space R side. The auxiliary conveyor 125 abuts on the side surface of the product container A and assists the transport of the product container A by the transport rollers 121 . For example, the auxiliary conveyor 125 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the conveying direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

One end of the upper unloading conveyor 130 is connected to the other end of the upper working conveyor 120 . The other end of the upper discharge conveyor 130 is connected to the product container transport conveyor 20 . The upper carry-out conveyor 130 receives the product container A from the upper working conveyor 120 and conveys the received product container A from the upper working conveyor 120 toward the product container transfer conveyor 20 . Then, the upper carry-out conveyor 130 returns the product container A to the product container transport conveyor 20 . The upper unloading conveyor 130 has a plurality of conveying rollers like the upper supply conveyor 110 . The upper discharge conveyor 130 conveys the product container A by rotating the conveying roller.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper work conveyor 120 includes, in order from one end to the other end, a carry-in area R1, an upstream buffer area R2, an upper work area (first container work area). area) R3, a downstream buffer area R4, and a carry-out area R5. An upper supply conveyor 110 is connected to the carry-in area R1. The product container A is carried in from the upper supply conveyor 110 to the carry-in area R1. An upper discharge conveyor 130 is connected to the discharge area R5. The product container A is carried out from the carry-out region R5 to the upper carry-out conveyor 130 . The upper work area R3 is a position where the worker P takes out the product from the product container A. As shown in FIG. That is, the worker P takes out the product from the product container A located in the upper work area R3 and puts it into the order container B. As shown in FIG.

The upstream buffer area R2 is provided upstream of the upper work area R3 in the transport direction of the product container A and adjacent to the upper work area R3. A product container A can wait in the upstream buffer area R2. That is, an area (upstream buffer area R2) having a size capable of accommodating the product container A is provided between the carry-in area R1 and the upper work area R3. The downstream buffer area R4 is provided downstream of the upper work area R3 in the transport direction of the product container A and adjacent to the upper work area R3. The product container A can be retracted into the downstream buffer area R4. That is, a region (downstream buffer region R4) having a size capable of accommodating the product container A is provided between the upper work region R3 and the unloading region R5.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper work conveyor 120 includes a first upper stopper mechanism 122 for stopping the product container A at the position of the upstream buffer region R2, and the position of the upper work region R3. A second upper stopper mechanism 123 for stopping the product container A at the position of the downstream buffer region R4 and a third upper stopper mechanism 124 for stopping the product container A at the position of the downstream buffer region R4 are provided. The first upper stopper mechanism 122 to the third upper stopper mechanism 124 contact the product container A transported by the transport roller 121 to stop the product container A in each area such as the upstream buffer area R2.

Specifically, the first upper stopper mechanism 122 includes a first upper stopper plate 122a and a first upper elevating section 122b. The first upper stopper plate 122a is vertically movable between the transport rollers 121 between the upstream buffer area R2 and the upper work area R3. The first upper elevating section 122b elevates the first upper stopper plate 122a. More specifically, the first upper elevator section 122b has a raised position where the upper portion of the first upper stopper plate 122a protrudes from the conveying surface of the upper work conveyor 120 (the upper portion of the conveying roller 121), and the first upper stopper plate 122a. The first upper stage stopper plate 122a is moved up and down between the lowered position where the upper part is located below the conveying surface of the upper stage work conveyor 120. As shown in FIG. Various well-known mechanisms can be adopted as the mechanism of the first upper lifting section 122b.

The second upper stopper mechanism 123 includes a second upper stopper plate 123a and a second upper elevating section 123b. The second upper stopper plate 123a is vertically movable between the transport rollers 121 between the upper work area R3 and the downstream buffer area R4. Similarly to the first upper elevating section 122b, the second upper elevating section 123b elevates the second upper stopper plate 123a between the raised position and the lowered position. Various well-known mechanisms can be adopted as the mechanism of the second upper stage lifting section 123b.

The third upper stopper mechanism 124 includes a third upper stopper plate 124a and a third upper lifting portion 124b. The third upper stopper plate 124a is vertically movable between the transport rollers 121 between the downstream buffer area R4 and the carry-out area R5. The third upper elevating section 124b, like the first upper elevating section 122b, raises and lowers the third upper stopper plate 124a between the raised position and the lowered position. Various well-known mechanisms can be adopted as the mechanism of the third upper stage lifting section 124b.

For example, when the product container A is to be stopped in the upper work area R3, the upper work conveyor 120 moves the second upper stopper plate 123a, which is positioned immediately downstream of the product container A in the upper work area R3 in the conveying direction, to the second upper stage elevation. It is raised by the portion 123b. In this state, the upper working conveyor 120 rotates the conveying rollers 121 to convey the product container A, so that the product container A comes into contact with the second upper stopper plate 123a, and the conveyance of the product container A stops in the upper working area R3. be done.

In this way, the upper work conveyor 120 is configured such that the first upper stopper plates 122a to 122a are positioned immediately downstream in the conveying direction in the region desired to be stopped among the upstream buffer region R2, the upper work region R3 and the downstream buffer region R4. The third upper stopper plate 124a is raised. As a result, the upper working conveyor 120 can accurately stop the product container A within the desired stopping area. Further, the upper working conveyor 120 can correct deviation of the orientation of the product container A with respect to the conveying direction by bringing the product container A into contact with the surfaces of the first upper stopper plate 122a to the third upper stopper plate 124a.

The first tilt mechanism 140 is provided in the carry-in area R1 of the upper work conveyor 120, as shown in FIG. The first tilt mechanism 140 receives the product container A from the upper supply conveyor 110 and transfers the product container A to the carry-in area R1 of the upper work conveyor 120 . Specifically, the first tilt mechanism 140 includes a plurality of first tilt conveyors 141 and a first swing mechanism 142, as shown in FIGS.

The plurality of first tilt conveyors 141 are arranged between the transport rollers 121 of the upper work conveyor 120 respectively. The first tilt conveyor 141 extends along the rotation axis direction of the transport roller 121 . The first tilt conveyor 141 can convey the product container A from the upper supply conveyor 110 side toward the carry-in area R1 along the extending direction (the rotation axis direction of the conveying roller 121). For example, the first tilt conveyor 141 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the conveying direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the end of the first tilt conveyor 141 on the side of the upper supply conveyor 110 is supported by the frame of the upper work conveyor 120 or the like so as to be vertically swingable. ing. The first swing mechanism 142 swings the first tilt conveyor 141 up and down around the end on the upper supply conveyor 110 side. More specifically, the first rocking mechanism 142 has a state of extending substantially horizontally as shown in FIG. The first tilt conveyor 141 is swung between them. As the mechanism of the first swing mechanism 142, various well-known mechanisms can be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the first tilt mechanism 140 receives the product container A from the upper supply conveyor 110 in a state in which the first tilt conveyor 141 is substantially horizontal by the first swing mechanism 142, A product container A is placed on the first tilt conveyor 141 . Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first tilt mechanism 140 swings the first tilt conveyor 141 below the conveying roller 121 by the first swing mechanism 142, thereby moving the product container A. It is placed on the transport roller 121 .

Thus, even if the upper work conveyor 120 is inclined with respect to the upper supply conveyor 110 at the connecting portion between the upper supply conveyor 110 and the upper work conveyor 120, the first tilt mechanism 140 allows the upper supply conveyor 110 to move from the upper supply conveyor 110 to the upper stage. Delivery of product containers A to the work conveyor 120 can be performed.

The second tilt mechanism 150 is provided in the unloading area R5 of the upper work conveyor 120, as shown in FIG. The second tilting mechanism 150 receives the product container A from the carry-out region R5 of the upper work conveyor 120 and transfers the product container A to the upper supply conveyor 110 . Specifically, the second tilt mechanism 150 includes a plurality of second tilt conveyors 151 and a second swing mechanism 152, as shown in FIGS.

Similarly to the first tilt mechanism 140 , the second tilt mechanism 150 swings the second tilt conveyor 151 up and down by the second swing mechanism 152 about the end on the upper supply conveyor 110 side. The second tilt conveyor 151 and the second swinging mechanism 152 have the same configuration as the first tilting conveyor 141 and the first swinging mechanism 142 of the first tilting mechanism 140, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second tilt mechanism 150 swings the second tilt conveyor 151 upward from a state in which the second tilt conveyor 151 is positioned below the conveying roller 121 to a substantially horizontal state, thereby moving the product from the conveying roller 121 . Take container A. Then, the second tilt mechanism 150 delivers the product container A to the upper discharge conveyor 130 by conveying the product container A toward the upper discharge conveyor 130 by the second tilt conveyor 151 .

In this way, even if the upper work conveyor 120 is inclined with respect to the upper carry-out conveyor 130 at the connecting portion between the upper carry-out conveyor 130 and the upper work conveyor 120 , the second tilt mechanism 150 allows the upper work conveyor 120 to move from the upper work conveyor 120 . Delivery of product containers A to the carry-out conveyor 130 can be performed.

Next, the lower transport unit 200 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower conveying unit 200 receives an empty order container B from the order container conveying conveyor 30, conveys it toward the work space R, and orders the order container B containing the products after sorting. Return to container transport conveyor 30 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the lower transport unit 200 includes a lower supply conveyor (second container supply conveyor) 210, a lower connection conveyor (second container connection conveyor) 220, and a lower unloading conveyor (second container unloading conveyor). ) 230, a first access device (access device) 240, a second access device (access device) 250, a third access device (access device) 260, a fourth access device (access device) 270, and a fifth access device (access device) device) 280.

The lower supply conveyor 210 is arranged below the upper supply conveyor 110 . One end of the lower supply conveyor 210 is connected to the order container transport conveyor 30 . The lower supply conveyor 210 receives an empty order container B from the order container transport conveyor 30 and transports the received order container B from the order container transport conveyor 30 toward the work space R. The lower supply conveyor 210 has a plurality of transport rollers. The lower supply conveyor 210 conveys the order container B by rotating the conveying roller.

The lower supply conveyor 210 has a scanner 211 (see FIG. 6). The scanner 211 is provided near the end of the lower supply conveyor 210 on the work space R side. Here, the order container B is provided with identification information for distinguishing the order containers B from each other. The scanner 211 reads the identification information when the order container B is conveyed by the lower supply conveyor 210 . The scanner 211 may read the identification information from a bar code or the like attached to the order container B, or may read the identification information from a wireless communication tag attached to the order container B by wireless communication. Various methods can be adopted for reading the identification information.

The lower connection conveyor 220 is arranged below (lower stage) the upper working conveyor 120 . In addition, the lower connection conveyor 220 at least partially overlaps with the upper work conveyor 120 in plan view (when viewed along the vertical direction) (see FIG. 2 and the like). One end of the lower connection conveyor 220 is connected to the other end of the lower supply conveyor 210 . The order container B is carried from the lower supply conveyor 210 to the lower connection conveyor 220 . The lower connection conveyor 220 conveys the order container B that has been carried in. The lower connecting conveyor 220 has a plurality of transport rollers 221 . The lower connection conveyor 220 conveys the order container B by rotating the conveying roller 221 .

One end of the lower unloading conveyor 230 is connected to the other end of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . The other end of the lower discharge conveyor 230 is connected to the order container transfer conveyor 30 . The lower unloading conveyor 230 receives order containers B for which the sorting operation has been completed from the lower connecting conveyor 220 and conveys the received order containers B from the lower connecting conveyor 220 to the order container transfer conveyor 30 . Then, the lower carry-out conveyor 230 returns the order container B to the order container transport conveyor 30 . The lower unloading conveyor 230 has a plurality of conveying rollers like the lower supply conveyor 210 . The lower unloading conveyor 230 conveys the order container B by rotating the conveying roller.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower connecting conveyor 220 has, in order from one end to the other end, a first entrance/exit area R11, a second entrance/exit area R12, a third entrance/exit area R13, A fourth access area R14 and a fifth access area R15 are provided. Each of the first loading/unloading area R11 to the fifth loading/unloading area R15 has a size capable of accommodating the order container B. As shown in FIG.

6 and 7, the lower connecting conveyor 220 includes a first lower stopper mechanism 222, a second lower stopper mechanism 223, a third lower stopper mechanism 224, a fourth lower stopper mechanism 225, and a third stopper mechanism 225. 5 lower stage stopper mechanism 226 is provided.

The first lower stopper mechanism 222 stops the order container B at the position of the first loading/unloading area R11. The first lower stopper mechanism 222 includes a first lower stopper plate 222a and a first lower lifting portion 222b. The first lower stopper plate 222a is provided so as to be able to move up and down between the conveying rollers 221 between the first entrance/exit area R11 and the second entrance/exit area R12. The first lower stage raising/lowering part 222b raises and lowers the first lower stage stopper plate 222a. More specifically, the first lower stage elevating part 222b has a raised position where the upper part of the first lower stage stopper plate 222a protrudes from the conveying surface of the lower stage connecting conveyor 220 (the upper part of the conveying roller 221), and the position of the first lower stage stopper plate 222a. The first lower stage stopper plate 222 a is moved up and down between the lowered position where the upper part is located below the conveying surface of the lower stage connecting conveyor 220 . Various well-known mechanisms can be employed as the mechanism of the first lower stage lifting section 222b.

The second lower stopper mechanism 223 stops the order container B at the position of the second loading/unloading area R12. The second lower stopper mechanism 223 includes a second lower stopper plate 223a and a second lower lifting portion 223b. The second lower stopper plate 223a is provided so as to be able to move up and down between the conveying rollers 221 between the second entrance/exit area R12 and the third entrance/exit area R13. The second lower stage elevator 223b moves the second lower stopper plate 223a up and down between the raised position and the lowered position in the same manner as the first lower stage elevator 222b. Various well-known mechanisms can be adopted as the mechanism of the second lower stage lifting section 223b.

The third lower stopper mechanism 224 stops the order container B at the position of the third loading/unloading area R13. The third lower stopper mechanism 224 includes a third lower stopper plate 224a and a third lower lifting portion 224b. The third lower stopper plate 224a is provided so as to be able to move up and down between the conveying rollers 221 between the third entrance/exit area R13 and the fourth entrance/exit area R14. The third lower stage elevator 224b moves the third lower stopper plate 224a up and down between the raised position and the lowered position in the same manner as the first lower stage elevator 222b. Various well-known mechanisms can be employed as the mechanism of the third lower stage lifting section 224b.

The fourth lower stopper mechanism 225 stops the order container B at the position of the fourth loading/unloading area R14. The fourth lower stopper mechanism 225 includes a fourth lower stopper plate 225a and a fourth lower lifting portion 225b. The fourth lower stopper plate 225a is provided so as to be able to move up and down between the conveying rollers 221 between the fourth entrance/exit area R14 and the fifth entrance/exit area R15. The fourth lower stage elevator 225b moves the fourth lower stopper plate 225a up and down between the raised position and the lowered position in the same manner as the first lower stage elevator 222b. Various well-known mechanisms can be adopted as the mechanism of the fourth lower stage lifting section 225b.

The fifth lower stopper mechanism 226 stops the order container B at the position of the fifth loading/unloading area R15. The fifth lower stopper mechanism 226 includes a fifth lower stopper plate 226a and a fifth lower lifting portion 226b. The fifth lower stopper plate 226 a is provided to move up and down between the conveying roller 221 provided closest to the lower unloading conveyor 230 and the lower unloading conveyor 230 . The fifth lower stage elevator 226b moves the fifth lower stopper plate 226a up and down between the raised position and the lowered position in the same manner as the first lower stage elevator 222b. Various well-known mechanisms can be employed as the mechanism of the fifth lower stage lifting section 226b.

For example, when the order container B is stopped in the third loading/unloading area R13, as shown in FIGS. The positioned third lower stopper plate 224a is lifted by the third lower lifting portion 224b. In this state, the lower connecting conveyor 220 rotates the conveying rollers 221 to convey the order container B, so that the order container B comes into contact with the third lower stopper plate 224a, and the order container B is conveyed in the third entry/exit area R13. be stopped.

In this way, the lower connecting conveyor 220 is arranged in such a manner that the first lower stopper plate 222a to the first stopper plate 222a, which are located in the vicinity of the downstream side in the conveying direction of the order containers B in the region desired to be stopped, among the first loading/unloading region R11 to the fifth loading/unloading region R15. 5 Raise the lower stopper plate 226a. As a result, the lower connection conveyor 220 can accurately stop the order container B within the desired stop area. Further, the lower connection conveyor 220 can correct the misalignment of the order containers B with respect to the conveying direction by bringing the order containers B into contact with the surfaces of the first to fifth lower stopper plates 222a to 226a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first loading/unloading device 240 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280 move the order containers B on the lower connecting conveyor 220 to and from the lower work area (second container work area) R10. Note that the lower work area R10 is an area that does not at least partially overlap with the upper work conveyor 120 in plan view (when viewed along the vertical direction) (see FIG. 6). Further, the lower work area R10 is provided in a portion closer to the work space R than the lower connecting conveyor 220 is.

More specifically, the first loading/unloading device 240 moves the order containers B between the first loading/unloading area R11 of the lower connection conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. Note that the first loading/unloading device 240 moves the order container B along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the order container B on the lower connection conveyor 220 .

Specifically, the first loading/unloading device 240 includes a first elevator conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor) 241 and a first transfer conveyor (second loading/unloading conveyor) 242, as shown in FIGS. there is The first elevating conveyor 241 is provided in the first in-and-out area R11 of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . The first elevating conveyor 241 includes a first conveyor section (conveyor section) 241a and a first conveyor elevating section (elevating section) 241b. The first conveyor portion 241 a has a size that allows it to pass between the conveying rollers 221 . The first conveyor section 241a can send the order container B out of the first loading/unloading area R11 and pull it into the first loading/unloading area R11. For example, the first conveyor section 241a is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the conveying direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

The first conveyor raising/lowering part 241 b raises and lowers the first conveyor part 241 a between the transport rollers 221 . More specifically, the first conveyor elevating section 241b has a raised position where the upper portion (upper surface) of the first conveyor section 241a protrudes from the conveying surface (upper portion of the conveying rollers 221) of the lower connected conveyor 220, and the first conveyor section 241a. The upper portion of the first conveyor portion 241 a is moved up and down between the lowered position located below the conveying surface of the lower-stage connecting conveyor 220 . Various well-known mechanisms can be adopted as the mechanism of the first conveyor lifting section 241b.

The first transport conveyor 242 is provided adjacent to the lower connection conveyor 220 at a position on the lower work area R10 side of the lower connection conveyor 220 . More specifically, the first transport conveyor 242 is adjacent to the portion of the lower connecting conveyor 220 where the first lifting conveyor 241 is provided. The first transport conveyor 242 can transport the order container B delivered from the first elevating conveyor 241 to the lower work area R10 and transfer the order container B in the lower work area R10 to the first elevating conveyor 241. That is, the first transport conveyor 242 connects the lower connecting conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. For example, the first transport conveyor 242 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the transport direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

The second loading/unloading device 250 moves the order containers B between the second loading/unloading area R12 of the lower connection conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. The second loading/unloading device 250 moves the order container B along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the order container B on the lower connecting conveyor 220 .

Specifically, the second loading/unloading device 250 includes a second lifting conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor) 251 and a second transfer conveyor (second loading/unloading conveyor) 252 . The second elevating conveyor 251 is provided in the second in-and-out area R12 of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . The second elevating conveyor 251 includes a second conveyor section (conveyor section) 251a and a second conveyor elevating section (elevating section) 251b. The second conveyor portion 251 a has a size that allows it to pass between the conveying rollers 221 . The second conveyor section 251a can send the order container B out of the second loading/unloading area R12 and pull it into the second loading/unloading area R12. The second conveyor section 251a has the same configuration as the first conveyor section 241a. The second conveyor lifting section 251b raises and lowers the second conveyor section 251a between the raised position and the lowered position, like the first conveyor lifting section 241b.

The second transport conveyor 252 is provided adjacent to the lower connection conveyor 220 at a position on the lower work area R10 side of the lower connection conveyor 220 . More specifically, the second transport conveyor 252 is adjacent to the portion of the lower connecting conveyor 220 where the second lifting conveyor 251 is provided. The second transport conveyor 252 can transport the order container B delivered from the second elevating conveyor 251 to the lower work area R10 and transfer the order container B in the lower work area R10 to the second elevating conveyor 251. That is, the second transport conveyor 252 connects the lower connecting conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. For example, the second transport conveyor 252 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the transport direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

The third loading/unloading device 260 moves the order containers B between the third loading/unloading area R13 of the lower connection conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. The third loading/unloading device 260 moves the order container B along the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the order container B on the lower connecting conveyor 220 .

Specifically, the third loading/unloading device 260 includes a third lifting conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor) 261 and a third transfer conveyor (second loading/unloading conveyor) 262 . The third elevating conveyor 261 is provided in the third in-and-out area R13 of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . The third elevating conveyor 261 includes a third conveyor section (conveyor section) 261a and a third conveyor elevating section (elevating section) 261b. The third conveyor portion 261 a has a size that allows it to pass between the conveying rollers 221 . The third conveyor section 261a can send the order container B out of the third loading/unloading area R13 and pull it into the third loading/unloading area R13. The third conveyor section 261a has the same configuration as the first conveyor section 241a. The third conveyor lifting section 261b raises and lowers the third conveyor section 261a between the raised position and the lowered position, like the first conveyor lifting section 241b.

The third transport conveyor 262 is provided adjacent to the lower connection conveyor 220 at a position on the lower work area R10 side of the lower connection conveyor 220 . More specifically, the third transport conveyor 262 is adjacent to the portion of the lower connecting conveyor 220 where the third lifting conveyor 261 is provided. The third transport conveyor 262 can transport the order container B delivered from the third lifting conveyor 261 to the lower work area R10 and transfer the order container B in the lower work area R10 to the third lifting conveyor 261. That is, the third transport conveyor 262 connects the lower connecting conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. For example, the third transport conveyor 262 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the transport direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

The fourth loading/unloading device 270 moves the order containers B between the fourth loading/unloading area R14 of the lower connection conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. The fourth loading/unloading device 270 moves the order container B along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the order container B on the lower connecting conveyor 220 .

Specifically, the fourth loading/unloading device 270 includes a fourth lifting conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor) 271 and a fourth transfer conveyor (second loading/unloading conveyor) 272 . The fourth elevating conveyor 271 is provided in the fourth in-and-out area R14 of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . The fourth elevating conveyor 271 includes a fourth conveyor section (conveyor section) 271a and a fourth conveyor elevating section (elevating section) 271b. The fourth conveyor portion 271a has a size that allows it to pass between the conveying rollers 221. As shown in FIG. The fourth conveyor section 271a can send the order container B out of the fourth loading/unloading area R14 and pull it into the fourth loading/unloading area R14. The fourth conveyor section 271a has the same configuration as the first conveyor section 241a. The fourth conveyor raising/lowering part 271b raises/lowers the fourth conveyor part 271a between the raised position and the lowered position, like the first conveyor raising/lowering part 241b.

The fourth transport conveyor 272 is provided adjacent to the lower connection conveyor 220 at a position on the lower work area R10 side of the lower connection conveyor 220 . More specifically, the fourth transport conveyor 272 is adjacent to the portion of the lower connecting conveyor 220 where the fourth elevating conveyor 271 is provided. The fourth transport conveyor 272 can transport the order container B delivered from the fourth elevating conveyor 271 to the lower work area R10 and transfer the order container B in the lower work area R10 to the fourth elevating conveyor 271. That is, the fourth transport conveyor 272 connects the lower connecting conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. For example, the fourth transport conveyor 272 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the transport direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

The fifth loading/unloading device 280 moves the order container B between the fifth loading/unloading area R15 of the lower connection conveyor 220 and the lower working area R10. In addition, the fifth loading/unloading device 280 moves the order container B along the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the order container B on the lower connection conveyor 220 .

Specifically, the fifth loading/unloading device 280 includes a fifth lifting conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor) 281 and a fifth transfer conveyor (second loading/unloading conveyor) 282 . The fifth elevator conveyor 281 is provided in the fifth entrance/exit area R15 of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . The fifth lifting conveyor 281 includes a fifth conveyor section (conveyor section) 281a and a fifth conveyor lifting section (lifting section) 281b. The fifth conveyor section 281 a has a size that allows it to pass between the conveying rollers 221 . The fifth conveyor section 281a can send the order container B out of the fifth loading/unloading area R15 and pull it into the fifth loading/unloading area R15. The fifth conveyor section 281a has the same configuration as the first conveyor section 241a. The fifth conveyor elevation unit 281b, like the first conveyor elevation unit 241b, raises and lowers the fifth conveyor unit 281a between the raised position and the lowered position.

The fifth transport conveyor 282 is provided adjacent to the lower connection conveyor 220 at a position on the lower work area R10 side of the lower connection conveyor 220 . More specifically, the fifth transport conveyor 282 is adjacent to the portion of the lower connecting conveyor 220 where the fifth lifting conveyor 281 is provided. The fifth transport conveyor 282 can transport the order container B sent from the fifth lifting conveyor 281 to the lower work area R10 and transfer the order container B in the lower work area R10 to the fifth lifting conveyor 281. That is, the fifth transport conveyor 282 connects the lower connecting conveyor 220 and the lower work area R10. For example, the fifth transport conveyor 282 is configured by a belt conveyor including a pair of rollers provided at both ends in the transport direction and an annular belt or the like stretched between the rollers.

In addition, the first conveyor elevation unit 241b to the fifth conveyor elevation unit 281b are arranged so that the first conveyor unit 241a and the like do not interfere with the transportation of the order container B when the lower connected conveyor 220 conveys the order container B. to the descent position.

Next, as an example of loading and unloading the order container B by the first loading/unloading device 240 and the like, a case where the third loading/unloading device 260 loads and unloads the order container B will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the order container B is preliminarily conveyed by the lower connecting conveyor 220 and stopped in the third loading/unloading area R13. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third conveyor lifting section 261b raises the third conveyor section 261a to the raised position. The third conveyor section 261a delivers the order container B toward the third transfer conveyor 262 and out of the third loading/unloading area R13. The third transport conveyor 262 receives the order container B delivered from the third lift conveyor 261 and transports it to the lower work area R10.

When the product sorting operation (loading) is completed for the order containers B conveyed to the lower work area R10, the third transport conveyor 262 directs the order containers B in the lower work area R10 toward the third lifting conveyor 261. transport. The third conveyor lifting section 261b raises the third conveyor section 261a to the raised position. The third conveyor section 261a receives the order container B transported by the third transport conveyor 262 and pulls it onto the lower connecting conveyor 220 (above the third loading/unloading area R13). And the 3rd conveyor raising/lowering part 261b lowers the 3rd conveyor part 261a to a descent position. As a result, the order container B on the third conveyor section 261 a is placed in the third loading/unloading area R<b>13 of the lower connecting conveyor 220 . After that, the lower connection conveyor 220 conveys the order container B on the third loading/unloading area R<b>13 to the lower unloading conveyor 230 .

In this manner, the first loading/unloading device 240 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280 can load/unload the order container B on the first loading/unloading area R11 to the fifth loading/unloading area R15 to/from the lower work area R10. That is, a maximum of five order containers B are arranged in the lower work area R10 by the first loading/unloading device 240 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280. FIG. The worker P puts the product taken out of the product container A into the order container B arranged in the lower work area R10.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper work area R3 includes a plurality of positions arranged in the lower work area R10 among the positions along the conveying direction of the product containers A on the upper work conveyor 120. It is provided at the center position of the order container B in the arrangement direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the monitor M is provided at a position above the upper work conveyor 120, for example. The monitor M gives various instructions to the operator P through screen display. The monitor M displays, for example, the order container B into which the product taken out from the product container A is put, the number of products to be put in, and the like.

The switch S is provided around the monitor M, for example. The switch S receives various input operations by the operator P. For example, if the monitor M is a touch panel capable of displaying and accepting input operations, the monitor M may also function as the switch S.

Next, an example of the product sorting work flow performed at the picking station 10 will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 300 controls the operation of each part of the picking station 10. As shown in FIG. The control unit 300 is an electronic control unit having a CPU [Central Processing Unit], a ROM [Read Only Memory], a RAM [Random Access Memory], and the like. In the control unit 300, for example, programs stored in the ROM are loaded into the RAM, and the programs loaded into the RAM are executed by the CPU, thereby executing various controls.

For example, when starting product sorting work, the operator P operates the switch S to instruct the control unit 300 to start sorting work. The control unit 300 controls the upper supply conveyor 110, the upper work conveyor 120, and the like to convey the product container A containing the product to the upper work area R3 of the upper work conveyor 120. FIG. At this time, the control unit 300 causes the product container A from which the next product is to be taken out to stand by in the upstream buffer area R2. Further, the control unit 300 controls the lower supply conveyor 210, the lower connection conveyor 220, the first loading/unloading device 240 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280, etc., and arranges five order containers B in the lower work area R10.

For example, based on instructions from the control unit 300, the monitor M displays the order container B into which the product taken out from the product container A is put, the number of products to be put in, and the like. The worker P takes out the product from the upper product container A and puts it into the lower order container B according to the displayed contents. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, quantity indicators H that indicate the number of products to be put in may be provided above the five order containers B installed in the lower work area R10. In addition to the monitor M, the operator P may insert the product while checking the quantity display H.

When the product has been taken out of the product container A located in the upper work area R3, the worker P operates the switch S to input that the product has been taken out. Upon receipt of completion of product pick-up, the control unit 300 drives the transport rollers 121 of the upper work conveyor 120 to transport the product container A positioned in the upper work area R3 to the downstream buffer area R4. The product container A waiting in the upstream buffer area R2 is transported to the upper work area R3. As a result, the worker P can take out the products from the product containers A newly transported to the upper work area R3 and sort them. The control unit 300 controls the lower connection conveyor 220, the lower unloading conveyor 230, and the like, and conveys the product container A for which the product has been taken out to the product container transport conveyor 20. FIG.

In addition, the control unit 300 can grasp the type and number of products put into the order container B based on the sorting work instruction to the worker P and the like. Therefore, when the worker P inputs that the removal of the products is completed, the control unit 300 can determine whether or not the sorting (insertion) of the products for each of the order containers B is completed. If there is an order container B for which sorting of products has been completed, the control unit 300 controls the first loading/unloading device 240 and the like to pull the order container B for which sorting has been completed to the lower connecting conveyor 220, and a new empty order container. The order container B is transported to the lower work area R10. As a result, the worker can put the product into the order container B newly transported to the lower work area R10. Then, the control unit 300 controls the lower connection conveyor 220 and the lower unloading conveyor 230 to transport the sorted order container B to the order container transport conveyor 30 .

Here, the identification information of the order container B is read by the scanner 211 when the order container B is conveyed by the lower supply conveyor 210 . Therefore, the control unit 300 can manage the order container B and the put-in commodity in association with each other. That is, the control unit 300 can identify which order container B contains which product and how many.

Note that the above-described product sorting work flow in the picking station 10 is an example, and various modifications are possible.

As described above, in the picking station 10, the first loading/unloading device 240 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280 transport the order containers B from the lower connecting conveyor 220 to the lower work area R10. As a result, the worker P can sort the products from the product containers A located in the upper stage to the order containers B installed in the lower work area R10. That is, since the order container B is delivered to the lower work area R10, the sorting operation from the product container A to the order container B is prevented from being hindered by the upper work conveyor 120 arranged at the upper stage. In addition, the picking station 10 can move the order containers B on the lower connecting conveyor 220 to the lower work area R10, so that the order in which the order containers B are conveyed by the lower connecting conveyor 220 can be changed. Thus, the picking station 10 can improve the workability of sorting.

The first loading/unloading device 240 includes a first lifting conveyor 241 and a first transport conveyor 242 . The first elevator conveyor 241 also includes a first conveyor section 241a that can pass between the transport rollers, and a first conveyor elevator section 241b that raises and lowers the first conveyor section 241a between a raised position and a lowered position. . As a result, even when the lower connecting conveyor 220 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 221, the first loading/unloading device 240 moves the order container B into and out of the lower work area R10 using the first lifting conveyor 241 and the first transport conveyor 242. can do. The second loading/unloading device 250 to fifth loading/unloading device 280 also have the same configuration as the first loading/unloading device 240 . Therefore, as with the first loading/unloading device 240, the second loading/unloading device 250 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280 move the order container B to the lower work area even when the lower connected conveyor 220 has a plurality of conveying rollers 221. It can be put in and out up to R10.

The upper work area R3 is provided at the central position in the row direction of the plurality of order containers B arranged in the lower work area R10 among the positions along the conveying direction of the product containers A on the upper work conveyor 120. . In this case, in the picking station 10, it is possible to reduce the amount of movement of the order containers B in the arrangement direction when the worker P performs the sorting work, and the workability of the sorting can be improved.

The upper work conveyor 120 is provided with an upstream buffer area R2 on the upstream side of the upper work area R3. In this case, the picking station 10 can keep the product container A on standby in the upstream buffer area R2 while the sorting operation using the product container A in the upper work area R3 is being performed. As a result, the picking station 10 immediately transports the product containers A that have been waiting in the upstream buffer region R2 to the upper work region R3 after the sorting work using the product containers A in the upper work region R3 is completed. can. As a result, the picking station 10 can reduce the time during which the sorting work is interrupted.

The upper work conveyor 120 is provided with a downstream buffer area R4 downstream of the upper work area R3. In this case, the picking station 10 can immediately transport the sorted product container A from the upper work area R3 to the downstream buffer area R4. As a result, the picking station 10 can immediately prepare for receiving the next product container A in the upper work area R3.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the first loading/unloading device 240 is not limited to a configuration including the first lifting conveyor 241 and the first transport conveyor 242 . For example, the first loading/unloading device 240 may be configured to push the order container B from the first loading/unloading area R11 to the lower work area R10 and pull it from the lower work area R10 to the first loading/unloading area R11 by an arm mechanism. Various mechanisms can be employed as a mechanism for loading and unloading the order container B in the first loading/unloading device 240 . Similarly, various mechanisms can be adopted for the second loading/unloading device 250 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280 .

Also, the picking station 10 has the first loading/unloading device 240 to the fifth loading/unloading device 280 as loading/unloading devices, but the number of loading/unloading devices is not limited to five. That is, the number of order containers B installed in the lower work area R10 is not limited to five.

For example, the picking station 10 may be configured to sort products from a plurality of product containers A arranged on the upper level into a plurality of order containers B arranged on the lower level.

Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the picking station 10 is configured such that the product container A is transported by the upper transport unit 100 and the order container B is transported by the lower transport unit 200 . Conversely, the picking station 10 may be configured such that the order container (first container) B is transported by the upper transport unit 100 and the product container (second container) A is transported by the lower transport unit 200. good. In the picking station 10, the products may be sorted from the product containers A in the lower work area R10 to the order containers B in the upper work area R3.

The picking station 10 has a first sorting mode in which the products are sorted from the product container A in the upper work area R3 to the order container B in the lower work area R10, and the first sorting mode in which the products are sorted from the product container A in the lower work area R10 to the upper work area. It may be possible to switch between the second sorting mode in which the products are sorted into the order containers B in the region R3. That is, when the sorting work in the first sorting mode is performed, the control unit 300 controls the first loading/unloading device 240 and the like when the product is put into the order container B in the lower work area R10 (when the sorting is completed). case), control is performed to return the order container B to the lower connecting conveyor 220 . Further, when the sorting work in the second sorting mode is performed, the control unit 300 controls the first loading/unloading device 240 and the like when the product is taken out from the product container A in the lower work area R10. are returned to the lower connecting conveyor 220 . In this way, the control unit 300 may be capable of switching between control in the first sorting mode and control in the second sorting mode. It should be noted that the control unit 300 determines whether the picking station 10 is to be sorted in the first sorting mode or the second sorting mode according to a setting operation by the operator P or an instruction from a host device. can be grasped based on

Also, the upper work conveyor 120 may not be inclined downward toward the work space R side. For example, the upper work conveyor 120 may be installed so that the conveying surface (the surface on which the product container A is placed) is horizontal.

At least part of the embodiments and various modifications described above may be combined arbitrarily.

10... Picking station, 110... Upper supply conveyor (first container supply conveyor), 120... Upper work conveyor (first container work conveyor), 130... Upper carry-out conveyor (first container carry-out conveyor), 210... Lower supply conveyor ( Second container supply conveyor), 220 Lower connection conveyor (second container connection conveyor), 230 Lower unloading conveyor (second container unloading conveyor), 240 First loading/unloading device (loading/unloading device), 241 First elevating conveyor (first in-and-out conveyor), 241a... first conveyor section (conveyor section), 241b... first conveyor elevating section (elevating section), 242... first transfer conveyor (second in-and-out conveyor), 250... second in-and-out device ( Entry/exit device), 251... Second elevating conveyor (first in/out conveyor), 251a... Second conveyor section (conveyor section), 251b... Second conveyor elevating section (elevating section), 252... Second transport conveyor (second in-and-out Conveyor), 260... Third loading/unloading device (loading/unloading device), 261... Third lifting conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor), 261a... Third conveyor section (conveyor section) 261b... Third conveyor lifting section (lifting section), 262 ... 3rd transport conveyor (second in-and-out conveyor), 270 ... fourth in-and-out device (in-and-out device), 271 ... fourth elevating conveyor (first in-and-out conveyor), 271a ... fourth conveyor section (conveyor section), 271b ... fourth 4 Conveyor lifting section (lifting section), 272... 4th conveying conveyor (second loading/unloading conveyor), 280... fifth loading/unloading device (loading/unloading device), 281... fifth lifting conveyor (first loading/unloading conveyor), 281a... fifth Conveyor part (conveyor part), 281b... Fifth conveyor lifting part (lifting part), 282... Fifth transport conveyor (second in-and-out conveyor), 300... Control unit (control part), A... Product container (first container, second container), B... order container (first container, second container) R2... upstream buffer area, R3... upper work area (first container work area), R4... downstream buffer area, R10... lower work area (second container working area).

Claims (5)

a first container supply conveyor that conveys the first container;
a first container working conveyor connected to the first container supply conveyor, capable of conveying the first container and stopping the conveyance of the first container within a first container working area;
a first container unloading conveyor connected to the first container work conveyor for conveying the first container;
a second container supply conveyor that conveys the second container;
A second container disposed below the first container work conveyor at a position at least partially overlapping the first container work conveyor in a plan view, connected to the second container supply conveyor, and conveying the second container. an articulated conveyor;
a second container unloading conveyor connected to the second container connecting conveyor for conveying the second container;
a plurality of loading/unloading devices for loading and unloading the plurality of second containers on the second container connecting conveyor to and from a second container working area that at least partially does not overlap the first container working conveyor in a plan view;
with
The first container working area is defined as one of positions along the conveying direction of the first containers on the first container working conveyor. A picking station located at a central location. a first container supply conveyor that conveys the first container;
a first container working conveyor connected to the first container supply conveyor, capable of conveying the first container and stopping the conveyance of the first container within a first container working area;
a first container unloading conveyor connected to the first container work conveyor for conveying the first container;
a second container supply conveyor that conveys the second container;
A second container disposed below the first container working conveyor at a position at least partially overlapping the first container working conveyor in a plan view, connected to the second container supply conveyor, and conveying the second container. an articulated conveyor;
a second container unloading conveyor connected to the second container connecting conveyor for conveying the second container;
a plurality of loading/unloading devices for loading and unloading the plurality of second containers on the second container connecting conveyor to and from a second container working area that at least partially does not overlap the first container working conveyor in a plan view;
with
The first container work conveyor includes an upstream buffer in which the first container can stand by at a position upstream of the first container work area in the conveying direction of the first container and adjacent to the first container work area. A picking station with an area. a first container supply conveyor that conveys the first container;
a first container working conveyor connected to the first container supply conveyor, capable of conveying the first container and stopping the conveyance of the first container within a first container working area;
a first container unloading conveyor connected to the first container work conveyor for conveying the first container;
a second container supply conveyor that conveys the second container;
A second container disposed below the first container working conveyor at a position at least partially overlapping the first container working conveyor in a plan view, connected to the second container supply conveyor, and conveying the second container. an articulated conveyor;
a second container unloading conveyor connected to the second container connecting conveyor for conveying the second container;
a plurality of loading/unloading devices for loading and unloading the plurality of second containers on the second container connecting conveyor to and from a second container working area that at least partially does not overlap the first container working conveyor in a plan view;
with
In the first container work conveyor, a downstream buffer in which the first container can be retracted is provided at a position downstream of the first container work area in the conveying direction of the first container and adjacent to the first container work area. A picking station with an area. a first container supply conveyor that conveys the first container;
a first container working conveyor connected to the first container supply conveyor, capable of conveying the first container and stopping the conveyance of the first container within a first container working area;
a first container unloading conveyor connected to the first container work conveyor for conveying the first container;
a second container supply conveyor that conveys the second container;
A second container disposed below the first container working conveyor at a position at least partially overlapping the first container working conveyor in a plan view, connected to the second container supply conveyor, and conveying the second container. an articulated conveyor;
a second container unloading conveyor connected to the second container connecting conveyor for conveying the second container;
a plurality of loading/unloading devices for loading and unloading the plurality of second containers on the second container connecting conveyor to and from a second container working area that at least partially does not overlap the first container working conveyor in a plan view;
a control unit for controlling the operation of the entrance/exit device ;
with
The control unit controls, when articles are thrown into the second container in the second container work area, to return the second container to the second container connecting conveyor by the loading/unloading device; A picking station capable of switching between control of returning the second container to the second container connecting conveyor by the loading/unloading device when the article is picked out from the second container within a work area. The second container connecting conveyor includes a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the second container,
The entrance/exit device is
a conveyor section capable of passing between the conveying rollers and capable of sending out the second container to the outside of the second container connecting conveyor and retracting the second container into the second container connecting conveyor; A first in-and-out conveyor provided with an elevating unit for elevating,
provided adjacent to the second container connecting conveyor, conveying the second container delivered from the first in-and-out conveyor to the second container working area, and moving the second container in the second container working area; a second in-and-out conveyor that can be delivered to the first in-and-out conveyor;
A picking station according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

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